Using Прежде чем
In English, we often use the phrase "before doing something." In Russian, to show that one action must happen before another, we use the temporal conjunction прежде чем (before).
When the same person is performing both actions, прежде чем is simply followed by an infinitive verb. Just like with other subordinate clauses in Russian, you must always separate the прежде чем clause from the main sentence with a comma.
| Before going to the mountains, it is necessary to anticipate the risks and take precautions. | Прежде чем идти в горы, нужно предусмотреть риски и принять меры предосторожности. |
| Before signing the document, you need to foresee everything and check the insurance. | Прежде чем подписать документ, нужно всё предусмотреть и проверить страховку. |
Weighing Your Options
This structure is especially useful when talking about planning, taking precautions, and making choices. You will often use it with verbs like обдумывать (to think over) and взвешивать (to weigh).
The прежде чем clause can come at the beginning of the sentence or after the main clause. Wherever it sits, keep it separated by a comma.
| Before making a choice, I think over all options for a long time. | Прежде чем сделать выбор, я долго обдумываю все варианты. |
| We usually weigh all alternatives before agreeing. | Мы обычно взвешиваем все альтернативы, прежде чем согласиться. |
Seeking Advice
Before you rush (поспешить) into a big decision, it is a good idea to consult (проконсультироваться) someone, such as an advisor (советник).
| Before leaving, he hurried to consult with a doctor. | Прежде чем уехать, он поспешил проконсультироваться с врачом. |
| He will hardly open his business before consulting with an advisor. | Вряд ли он откроет свой бизнес, прежде чем проконсультироваться с советником. |